.jpg)
 |
| Debby receives her rose from GRW President Maureen Hardegree,celebrating her first sale. |
By Debby Giusti
We’re into the countdown for the 30th Annual Moonlight and Magnolias Conference, hosted by Georgia Romance Writers. With over 40 workshops, this year’s event has something for everyone—from the writer just starting on the road to publication to the multi-published author.
I attended my first M&M in 1991 with a completed manuscript in my suitcase. I was sure my story would sell, and when an agent requested the full, I thought I was on the fast-track to publication. Weeks later, I received a rejection letter and knew I had a lot to learn.
Where did I turn? To Georgia Romance Writers…
Every month, I attended the GRW meetings where I mixed and mingled with award-winning authors and industry professionals. The outstanding programs they presented taught me about craft and technique and the difference between a ho-hum manuscript and one that would be snatched up by editors and agents alike. Being with other writers who shared my dream for publication fueled my desire to keep working and never give up.
 |
| Debby (L) with GRW member Darlene Buchholz (R) |
In March each year, I submitted pages to the Gin Ellis Workshop where published authors offered constructive criticism and suggested ways I could improve my story. Eager to make those changes, I polished my submissions and entered them in the Maggie Award for Excellence.
My confidence grew, and my stories improved. Soon, I began to final and eventually won contests, including the Maggie.
My road to publication wasn’t easy. I faced detours and obstacles along the way. Sometimes my progress slowed, seemingly to a crawl. At other times, I speeded too quickly ahead. Thankfully, if I took a wrong turn, someone from GRW would gently nudge me back on the right path.
 |
| Debby (L) and Missy Tippens at a recent GRW mtg. |
Eventually, I received “The Call,” and my first book was published in 2007. Since then, I’ve written a total of eleven books for Love Inspired Suspense. I just landed another contract so I’m starting over again with new characters on an adventure that’s bound to be exciting. I’ll use the knowledge I learned from GRW as I push forward to the end. The road may be bumpy. I might get discouraged at times, but eventually, I’ll arrive at my destination.
GRW is the roadmap, the AAA TripTik, the Garmin that allows me to travel new and exciting routes with each story. Next week, I’m setting my course for the M&M where I’ll load up on more writing information and industry news that will help me navigate the road ahead. I hope to see you there!
 |
| Marilyn Baron (L), Debby and Carol Burnside. |
What road are you traveling to publication? What have you learned along the way? Who’s been your guiding light?
Happy writing! Happy reading!
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
Debby blogs on her website, Seekerville blog, Craftie Ladies of Romance blog, and the Cross My Heart Prayer Team blog.
The Colonel’s Daughter is still available in print or e-book.
THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER
UNDER SIEGE
A ruthless killer is targeting the families of soldiers in a U.S. Armycolonel’s brigade. Special agent Jamison Steele, of the CriminalInvestigation Division, vows to stop him—because this time, Jamison’s heart is involved. The colonel’s daughter, the woman who loved and left Jamison without a word, came face-to-face with the murderer. Protecting Michele Logan means constant surveillance. And solving the mystery of the serial killer’s motive requires asking Michele the questions she least wants to answer. Questions that may lead them both into a deadly trap.
Watch for The General’s Secretary, the fourth book in my Military Investigations series, which will be in bookstores this January!
.png)
.jpg)
by Carol Burnside
I may use lots of !!! because I’m excited to be leaving for Atlanta today! I’m really looking forward to M&M next weekend and soaking up all the writerly ambiance.
Debby, you didn’t mention that you’re the GRW Featured Author this year, did you? Hmm??? That’s pretty fabulous too.
I remember you announcing your sale and getting your rose. Great milestones. Congrats on all your successes! See you soon.
Debby,
What a great post and what a blast from the past. Like Carol, I was there when you announced your first sale and you were an inspiration then and you still are. In fact, you are one of my guiding lights. You were the person who called me about serving on the GRW board and since then I have served in a variety of positions over the past six years and it has been a privilege and a gratifying experience. You have also offered advice and counsel over the years on my path to publication. We’re all looking forward to you being the GRW Featured Author at Moonlight & Magnolias this year and to help us celebrate the 30th anniversary of the conference. Thanks for the memories.
Hi Carol,
Have a safe trip to GA. I can’t wait to see you!
You’re right. I am the GRW Featured Author, which is such an honor. I couldn’t believe it when Sally told me I had been selected last year. I said, “You must mean the OTHER Debby Giusti.”
It was a pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming moment, for sure.
As I’ve been writing my speech, I’ve been reflecting on my years in GRW and all the wonderful people who have helped me along the way. I wouldn’t have published if it hadn’t been for GRW.
See you soon!
Debby
I can think of no more gracious and classy lady to represent GRW. You have always, always been such an inspiration and source of support. This article is just one of the many ways you support all if us Thank you for your words, thoughts and prayers
Debby
I can think of no more gracious and classy lady to represent GRW. You have always, always been such an inspiration and source of support. This article is just one of the many ways you support all if us Thank you for your words, thoughts and prayers
Marilyn,
You’re making my heart smile with your sweet comments! I’m so glad you accepted that first position with GRW and then the next one and the next one…
Both you and Carol have done so much! We have an outstanding chapter because of people like you who work so hard for GRW. Thank you!
See you Thursday!
Pam,
I may start crying! You’re so sweet!
I thought of you so much as I wrote my talk…I hope you get the message I’m trying to send. Love you!
I have to be away from my computer for a few hours.
Have a wonderful Saturday…more later!
Debby,
What great memories. I love you compare GRW to AAA Triptic.
You’re such a sweetheart, so giving of your time and talent. I llok forward to hearing you at M&M as Georgia featured Speaker.
The countdowns on. See you soon.
Debby,
I was so excited when I saw that you are the Featured Author this year. I will be forever grateful for your advice on my pitch 2011. Wonderful advice. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Debby, your post brought tears to my eyes. I love reminiscing about GRW. It’s the best. And what cool pictures!
I also remember your rose. And like you, I feel I could have never have grown so much as a writer without GRW.
I’m excited that you’re the Featured Author for M&M, too. What do you mean? There’s only one Debby Giusti.
Hi Sia,
Looking forward to see you next weekend. I know the conference will be great!
HUGS.
Hi Maxine!
I’m so glad the Pitch Workshop helped! It’s always the highlight of M&M for me.
See you next week.
Linsey, thanks for the sweet comments!
Aren’t we lucky to have GRW? Such a great organization. So many wonderful writers. I’ve always felt blessed to be a part of the chapter.
Won’t be long until M&M. This year, I keep hearing of many folks who are traveling quite a distance to be with us. Everyone knows the M&M is a fantastic conference. The lineup of workshops, speakers and editors and agents keeps growing. Good things are ahead for all those who attend. Can’t wait!
See you there!
What’s not to love about Debby Giusti. And her books are great aso. I look forward to seeing you at GRW.
Debbie, you are Da Bomb! Keep it up!
Great blog! Can’t wait for M&M. Will be there with bells on Thursday! Just love M&M’s, GRW, Georgia authors and Debby! Now I’ve got to get a copy of the next Military book.
Hey Susan!
You Petit Fours gals are all so sweet! I won’t want to leave your blog.
See you soon!
Da Bomb! Thank you, Mary!
You’re Da Bomb too!
Hugs.
Hi Melba!
You’ve been a GRW member since almost the beginning, haven’t you? Weren’t you at the first Moonlight and Magnolias Conference? Thanks for all you’ve done for GRW over the years, Melba. It’s always a joy to see you.
Much love!
What an inspiring post, Debby! I joined GRW just three years ago and it is one of the best decisions I ever made. Every time I am ready to throw in the towel, someone from GRW comes through with an encouraging word and some good advice and gets me back on track. Thank you for all that you do. I am counting the days until M&M!
Pam,
We feel the same way about GRW! See you at M&M.